A Green Heron stands on a weathered log at the water's edge, enjoying the morning sun before beginning its grooming routine.

Morning Grooming

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Every morning, while sitting on the deck, I never know what is in store at the pond. Yesterday, for example, a couple of snapping turtles surprised me with their attempts at mating — I had never seen snapping turtles here … Read More

A Green Heron stands in shallow water at the edge of an algae-covered pond, its neck drawn low against its body in a classic crouched hunting stance. Morning light reveals the bird's iridescent green back and rust-colored neck. Teravista, Round Rock, Texas.

Two Years by the Pond: A Green Heron on Alert

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It has now been two years since we moved to Teravista in Round Rock, Texas. It has been full of good mornings on the deck overlooking our natural pond — some spent in quiet meditation, many more just watching whatever … Read More

A collage of six backyard birds — Northern Cardinal, Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks, Eastern Phoebe, Green Heron, Red-Shouldered Hawk, and Yellow-Crowned Night Heron — all photographed at the same pond within one hour.

One Hour, A World Apart

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Lens-Artists Challenge #402: Looking Back at #1 – Wonder Most mornings, I meditate on the deck facing the pond behind our house. It’s become a quiet anchor to the day — the water, the light shifting through the trees, whatever … Read More

A Great Blue Heron stands tall in shallow rippling water, its long neck stretched upward and rust-tinged thighs visible above the surface; warm golden light backlights the bird and the green mangrove along the bank behind it.

Stillness on the Water: A Quartet of South Padre Herons

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Lens Artists Photo Challenge #395: Looking Back to #155 On the Water Last week, I spent five days in the South Padre Island area with three friends who are photographers. Before reaching the island, I made a one-day stop at the … Read More

Lurking Around Us

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Lens-Artists Challenge #375: Where to Find the Mysterious “Darkness falls across the landThe midnight hour is close at handCreatures crawl in search of bloodTo terrorize y’all’s neighbourhood.” Vincent Price’s words at the end of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” After an unanticipated … Read More

Home Feathered Friends

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Summer has been busy on the deck and backyard. To attract Painted Buntings, I purchased a new bird feeder and food that the store clerk assured me was suitable for buntings. Well, so far, I have not seen one here, … Read More

Hunter of the Shallows

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An advantage of having a pond behind our house is that I can spend ample time observing the wildlife that comes here, and there is plenty to learn from them! I am featuring the Green Heron (Butorides virescens) this week. … Read More

My Photography, My Rules

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Lens-Artists Challenge #347: Break the Rules! Before I found out there were rules in photography, I was simply shooting what I liked. I agree that rules help make a shot a better image. However, there are times when your intuition speaks … Read More

Lens-Artists Challenge #329 – Last Chance

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Who said there is no drama in Texas fall foliage? When I saw that Inks Lake State Park was at peak time for fall colors, I drove there the next day. The park is only a little over an hour … Read More

Sunday Shenanigans

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After my usual Sunday morning meditation, I observed the wildlife outside our backyard. We are blessed with a pond that attracts a variety of wildlife. Today was especially interesting because I could see three different animals simultaneously. I’m not including … Read More